Over the past few weeks I have had interactions and engagements with a wide cross section of our student body and have received correspondence from some members of the University community regarding experiences of discomfort and anxiety by some students at Rhodes. Debates, discussions and engagements on issues of transformation and change are most welcome and encouraged at our University. It is through such engagement that we can collectively reshape and remake our University.I have pointed out before that
“if we are to have a productive debate and fruitful discussion on these issues, we must respect each other’s views. We should never try to delegitimise, trivialise or be dismissive of each other’s views and experiences. We shouldn’t call each other names nor should we launch personal attacks on each other. We should use the power of rational and reasoned argument, logic and debate to forge common ground on those issues where we hold different views. We must also be open-minded and be willing to be persuaded to change our position based on the quality of the argument advanced.”
A university is, by its very nature, a democratic space where contending views and ideas must be expressed, explored, and debated.
As we continue the process of engaging with each other with a view to forging a new and shared future, I must reiterate what I have said on a number of occasions.
- There is no place for xenophobia, racism, sexism, homophobia and all other forms of intolerance, bigotry and chauvinistic behaviours at Rhodes University.
- Every person at Rhodes University deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
- Every person at Rhodes University deserves to feel safe and secure.
- Threatening another student or staff member with violence of any kind or form has no place at Rhodes University.
- Advocating hatred or violence against another student or staff member of Rhodes University will not be tolerated.
- Our rights end where and when we start to encroach or infringe on the rights of others. Let us therefore respect and observe the rights of others so they too can respect and observe ours.
I have been deeply perturbed and distressed by the use of social media, Facebook and Twitter, in particular, to belittle fellow students and to assassinate their character. I wish to plead with all our students to desist from this practice. There is a plurality and diversity of views and perspectives on the current topical issues relating to transformation and the future of the name of our University. How ever strongly you may believe in the correctness of your position, views and perspectives, you must accept and respect the position, views and perspectives of others and resist the temptation to launch ad hominem attacks on them.
Sizwe Mabizela
Vice-Chancellor, Rhodes University